Mr Evans said the introduction of the Pride Game, to be played on August 13, was another step towards having openly gay players in the AFL, though he admitted the first to come out would face some hardships.

"It ultimately has to be their decision. When a player or players are ready to do that, then so are we," Mr Evans said.

"We're really confident that will be well handled at club level and it'll help us take another conversation to the world stage.

"We've done some work with our player groups at AFL clubs and we know there'll be some difficulties for a player who does come out."

Jason Ball was the first Australian rules player at any level to come out as gay in 2012. No footballer at AFL level has done the same, but Ball said the Pride Game could prove a watershed moment.

"Growing up, the footy club was the one place I thought I'd never be accepted. Homophobic language was routinely used on the field and it left me scared to be myself," Ball said.

"Struggling in silence with my identity caused me so much heartache and pushed me to a very dark place.

"An event like this Pride Game would have made all the difference and given me confidence that I could belong.

"I am so proud to see it taken to the national stage and I have no doubt it will be a life-changing event for many within the AFL family."

Saints proud to recognise LGBTQI presence in heartland

St Kilda players will wear guernseys with rainbow-coloured numbers for the match, while the Swans will wear rainbow socks. Goal umpires will wave rainbow flags, and the 50 metre arcs on the field will be multi-coloured.

St Kilda chief executive Matt Finnis pointed to the growth of the Pride Cup, the annual fixture initiated in 2014 between Yarra Glen and Yarra Junction which celebrates inclusion, as a forerunner to the Pride Game.

He said Saints' involvement is a nod to the diverse nature of the St Kilda community.

"This is a proud and important day for our football club and the AFL," Mr Finnis said.

"I want to pay tribute to Jason Ball and the Yarra Glen Football Club who initiated the 2014 Community Pride Cup which paved the way for this inaugural AFL Pride Game."

"This belief stems from our bayside birthplace where the annual Pride March takes place. It's a progressive, eclectic place where everyone is welcome.

"We want the LGBTIQ community to feel welcome and safe at AFL games and free to be themselves."